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Thomas N. Simmons Commodore Simmons during his years as Captain of the 'Argentina' for the Moore McCormac Lines. The Simmons family dates back to the very beginning of the European Settlement of Saba. Some of the first Commanders of Saba belonged to this notable family. Charles Simmons was Commander from February 28th, 1720 to June 22nd, 1743, followed by his son Peter Simmons who was Commander from 1743 to 1773. The family has Jewish roots and were among the first settlers to come out with the Dutch and settle these islands. Descendants of the Simmons family are still prominent on Saba such as former Commissioner Vernon Hassell and Senator Will Johnson. The village of The Bottom was the seat of many prosperous white families until some time after the slave-owning and sailing vessel days. In the 19th century the Simmons, Leverocks, Vanterpools, Winfields and other families occupied the village and owned neat well-built houses, agricultural holdings, slaves and schooners, which carried on a great deal of the trade of the Caribbean. Commodore Tom Simmons was born on Saba. Coming from a seafaring family of ten children, he lost four brothers at sea. Like most young men of this island, he started his career at the age of sixteen on sailing ships. He worked his way up to second mate on schooners, and then joined the American Hawaiian Line as Quarter Master. In 1917 he went over to the Munson Steamship Line as Third Officer on the passengers liner "Murio". He later became Captain and was in command on the maiden voyage of the old 32,000 ton "Argentina" as well as the new 22,000 ton luxury liner by the same name. The old "Argentina", under his command, was the first troop ship to enter the ports of Australia during World War II and to stand by for D-Day in England. He was captain of various ocean liners such as the "Western World", the "American Legion", the "Southern Cross", and the "Pan American." He later became commodore of the Moore McCormick Line.
The highlight of his long career at sea were people he knew and loved: The Duke of Windsor, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Corporate Presidents, Cardinals, Artists, Singers. The sea was a part of him and after spending fifty-two years at sea, he was awarded the highest decoration by Brazil to a foreigner the Cruzeiro do Sul. He was considered one of Saba's greatest captains and did great honor to the Simmons name which family produced most of the more than 200 captains of this little island. © Will JohnsonReturn to listing of Saba Sea Captains
This page was last updated on 06/29/2008 |
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Commodore
The cruise ship "Argentina" of which Thomas Simmons of Saba was
captain for many years. 
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